- Does text indicate why, having appeared to Abraham, there is a second appearance? (Is a time interval noted?)
- How is this appearance “different” from the preceding (or, is it)?
- What lesson is taught as to the nature of hospitality?
- Is there any significance in the serving of dairy and meat – at this stage in the overall biblical narration?
- Is Sarah’s reaction different in any way from Abraham’s reaction when being informed of a child being born to them (previous chapter)?
- Does God speak to Sarah directly?
- In Genesis 18:17–19 is there a Divine rumination or a communication to Abraham?
- Does Genesis 18:19 answer two questions: why Abraham was chosen and, for all times, the purpose/intent of the choice? (But – does the text indicate why Abraham was selected and not another?)
- What are the epitomizing virtues for Abraham and his descendants?
- What (as in the Babel story) is the significance of God’s “going down to see”?
- What warranted the Sodomites’ description as “most evil and most transgressing” – is there any specific?
- In Genesis 18:22 – if the three went to Sedom, before whom/what is Abraham standing? (or, see XIX, verse 1)
- Prior to Abraham’s argument (Genesis 18:23 et seq.), has he argued in this fashion – i.e. a direct challenge to Divinity (without any respectful or other introduction)?
- What, according to Abraham’s thesis (Genesis 18:24–25), is the key element which should determine the Divine relationship to humanity?
- How does the Divine comment in Genesis 18:26 go beyond Abraham’s thesis in applying judgement mercifully?
- A detail: what custom prevails to this day as to the minimum number for a congregational minyan? (Genesis 18:32)
